The Profound Differences Between Orthodoxy and Protestantism

Today’s Christian landscape is marked by differing theological foundations, spiritual practices, and approaches to worship. There is not a common view on what is necessary for salvation, eternal life in God’s kingdom. This brief article aims to highlight some of the significant differences between Orthodoxy and most Protestant traditions, differences that are profound and go to the heart of how each understands salvation and lives out the Christian life.

Basic Agreements

Let’s begin with what we share in common.  

1. We agree on the central role of Jesus in salvation, believing in His birth, death, resurrection, and His teachings as recorded in the New Testament.

2. Both believe in a Trinitarian God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—even though there are significant differences in how the relationship between them is understood.

3. Both Orthodox and Protestants regard the Bible as the inspired Word of God, but their interpretative traditions and the role of church authority in interpretation sometimes widely differ.

Authority of Scripture and Tradition 

Our differences stem mostly from the upheaval that took place during the Reformation in the 16th century. One significant difference is the understanding of the role of Holy Tradition.

Because Orthodox Christianity has a continuity of belief and practice from Apostolic times to the current age, Holy Tradition and Scripture are seen as co-equal sources of divine revelation. Holy Tradition encompasses the teachings of the Apostles before there was any agreement on the books and letters that make up the New Testament. Even before Paul wrote his epistles, there were traditions taught that had been passed on by Christ to the Apostles. Paul insisted in his letters to "follow the tradition we have taught you." Then there are the teachings of the apostolic fathers who learned from the apostles, the decisions of the Ecumenical Councils involving the entire Church, and the continuous liturgical and sacramental life of the Church. This tradition is viewed as the living transmission of the faith, guided by the Holy Spirit, ensuring doctrinal continuity with the apostolic Church. For Orthodox Christians, Scripture and Holy Tradition are in total harmony.

In contrast, Protestant Christianity, in response to corruption perceived in some activities of the Roman Church, declared a new doctrine called *sola scriptura*, the principle that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice. Instead of addressing the areas of corruption, they rejected almost everything that was not found in Scripture. The foundation of their churches established the Bible as the sole foundation and authority. Without the understanding of Tradition, Protestant interpretations of the Bible began to vary widely, leading to a multitude of denominational doctrines and practices. The continuity from Apostolic times and teaching was lost or ignored.

 Faith and Works

Another innovative doctrine from this time was that salvation is the result of faith alone, contrasting with the traditional doctrine of Theosis in the Orthodox Church, which involves a lifelong path of spiritual perfection. Rather than only faith, Orthodox salvation demands faith and the perfection of our inner being to become like Christ, known as faith with works, the transformative process of becoming partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). Salvation for Orthodox Christians, as it was for the early Christians, is a lifelong process that begins with faith and baptism, seeking to become like Christ and united with Him. Jesus came for the salvation of all, to restore the separation from God that began with the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise. He transformed the nature of humanity by joining His divinity with human flesh, establishing through baptism the way we can be transformed, receiving divinity through the work of the Holy Spirit. This gave humankind what was needed to become like Him and return to Paradise with eternal life.

One declares their faith in the Gospel teaching, then they are baptized, receiving the Holy Spirit, granting them a way to work in cooperation with the Spirit to overcome the sinful tendency inherited from the fall of Adam. The aim of an Orthodox Christian life is to become united with Christ in a deep spiritual manner, prepared to enter God’s heavenly kingdom with eternal life. This mystical union with God is achieved through individual effort in cooperation with the Holy Spirit given to us, often called grace. Individual works at purification involve participation in the sacraments, especially Holy Communion and Confession, plus a life of spiritual disciplines including prayer and fasting. While Orthodox believe, as recorded in Scripture, that we are all saved by Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross, individually we still have work to do to become like Him. Faith alone is not enough for our personal salvation. Only God can determine if we are saved, so Orthodox live with the hope of salvation promised by Christ as they strive to become like Him, working in cooperation with the Holy Spirit.

Salvation is not a passive act of God that comes with a single act, as is expressed by many Protestants. Since we have free will, after baptism, we must still work on overcoming the sinful tendencies we inherited from the fall of Adam and Eve. This ongoing process of purification is the purpose of the Church, seen as a spiritual hospital established by Christ. It is through the sacramental life of the Church, through the work of the Holy Spirit, that we are purified. It is this same Church with its original practices that Orthodox have kept alive from Apostolic times. Within the Church, an Orthodox Christian lives an ongoing life of repentance, demonstrating love of God through actions to become like Christ, capable of acting with true love devoid of self-centered motivations. Simply put, Orthodox say it is faith with works that leads to salvation, which is a gift of God alone. This is affirmed in Scripture in the writings of Paul and especially the book of James and the Tradition of the Church.

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Protestant Christianity: Justification by Faith Alone

Protestant Christianity took a major deviation during the Reformation, particularly in its Reformed traditions, by emphasizing justification by faith alone (sola fide). This doctrine teaches that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ without any need for human works. While sanctification is recognized as an important process of spiritual growth, it is often seen as distinct from the initial act of justification. Many believe that once they have declared their faith in Jesus, they are saved no matter what happens afterward. They see that everything needed was accomplished by Jesus’ death on the Cross and that one who believes in this will be purified and saved. This view leads to a different way of life than one an Orthodox Christian is called to follow.

In contrast, Orthodox Christianity integrates justification and sanctification into a single, continuous process known as theosis or deification. For Orthodox Christians, salvation is not only about an initial declaration of faith but involves a lifelong journey of becoming united with God. This journey requires the cooperation of human effort and divine grace, known as synergy. Orthodox believers engage in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and participate regularly in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession, as essential means of receiving God’s grace and being transformed.

While Protestant sanctification is seen as a gradual growth in holiness following justification, Orthodox sanctification is deeply connected to the entire process of salvation, aiming at achieving union with God and becoming partakers of the divine nature. This fundamental difference results in distinct approaches to spiritual practice: Protestants often focus on reading Scripture and listening to sermons, with less emphasis on sacraments and ascetic practices, whereas Orthodox Christians view these practices as crucial for their spiritual growth and ultimate salvation.

 Eucharist: Real Presence vs. Symbolism

Because of these innovative doctrines of the Reformation, religious practices also changed. One very significant one to Orthodox Christians is the understanding of the Eucharist. For Orthodox Christians, the Eucharist is the literal Body and Blood of Christ, mystically transformed by the Holy Spirit during the Divine Liturgy. This belief is deeply rooted in Scripture combined with the continuous tradition of the early Church. The Eucharist is not merely symbolic but is a mystical participation in the life of Christ, a true communion with God, essential for the healing and purification of the soul. Regular participation in this sacrament is an important part of Orthodox life.

In contrast, views on the Eucharist within Protestantism vary. Some denominations, like Lutherans, maintain a belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, often described as sacramental union. Others, such as Reformed churches like the Presbyterian Church, view it as a symbolic or commemorative act (memorialism). Baptists also view the Lord’s Supper as a symbolic act of obedience and remembrance, with no belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the elements. They emphasize personal reflection and practice open communion. For Methodists, Holy Communion is a means of grace and involves the spiritual presence of Christ but not the actual body and blood of Christ. The need for participation varies, with no expectation of regular weekly participation for spiritual growth.

This divergence highlights a fundamental difference in how all the sacraments are understood and valued, and the significant role the Holy Spirit plays in the life of the Church.

Spirituality and Worship

Mystical Experience and Rational Understanding

Orthodox spirituality places a strong emphasis on mystical experience and the transformative power of the sacraments through the real presence of the Holy Spirit. Our places of worship are decorated in a way to lift one up to a heavenly realm. The place of worship is considered a sacred space and is only used for worship. Orthodox appeal to all the senses and use incense in their services. The service is intoned or sung. Worship is communion with the heavenly church, with the angels and saints joining in. There is the use of holy oil as well. There is a constant appeal to a reality that is beyond rational understanding.

While Protestantism includes mystical traditions (e.g., Quakers, certain charismatic movements), there is generally a greater emphasis on rational understanding and personal interpretation of Scripture. This focus often leads to a more intellectual approach to faith. There are Protestant denominations within the charismatic and Pentecostal traditions that emphasize the active work of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers. However, the concept of union with God is typically understood differently from the Orthodox view of theosis, focusing more on a personal relationship with Jesus.

Veneration of Saints and the Theotokos

The veneration of saints and the Theotokos (Mary) is integral to Orthodox worship and prayer life. Saints are viewed as intercessors and exemplars of holy living, and their icons are used to inspire and connect believers with the divine. Mary, the Mother of God, holds a particularly exalted place in Orthodox spirituality, reflecting her role in salvation history and her perpetual intercession for the faithful. There is a use of icons in prayer. Icons are not worshiped but are often venerated and are even at times a vehicle for miracles. Each member has been given a patron saint for their protection as well as a guardian angel at their baptism. Saints become important intercessors and sources for help during the struggles of life.

Praying for help from saints is an important part of Orthodox practice, rooted in the Scriptural and traditional understanding of the communion of saints. Believing in eternal life, Orthodox Christians view the saints as still alive but living in heaven close to the throne of God. They can be called upon to intercede on our behalf, just like we can ask our family and friends to pray for us.

In most Protestant traditions, the veneration of saints and seeking their prayers is rejected. This practice is seen as unnecessary and potentially idolatrous. Mary is respected as the mother of Jesus but does not occupy the same central role in devotional life as she does in Orthodoxy. Instead, direct prayer to God through Jesus Christ is emphasized.

Orthodox prayers sometimes include phrases like “Mary, save us,” which Protestants often misunderstand. In Orthodox usage, “save” means “help me” or “deliver me from danger,” and does not imply that Mary provides the ultimate salvation that comes only from Christ. She is known to be close to her Son in heaven and can intercede on our behalf, just like the other saints.

Liturgical Worship vs. Varied Worship Styles

Orthodox worship is highly liturgical, characterized by elaborate and ancient rituals that engage all the senses, the use of icons, incense, vocal music, and a strong sense of continuity with the early Church. These elements aim to elevate the worshippers’ awareness of the heavenly realm. The Divine Liturgy, celebrated every Sunday and on feast days, is the heart of Orthodox worship, reflecting the communal and sacramental nature of the faith. The primary purpose of the Divine Liturgy is to participate in the Eucharist, partaking of the actual Body and Blood of Christ. It is viewed as a mystical journey where the earthly church is joined with the heavenly church, angels, and saints.

Protestant worship styles vary widely, from traditional liturgical services in denominations like Anglicanism and Lutheranism to contemporary and informal worship in many evangelical churches. Often their place of worship is devoid of images and may only contain a cross. Rather than the altar being central, often the pulpit will be the point of focus. The focus is often on preaching, congregational singing, and the personal study of Scripture, reflecting the diversity of worship practices that arose from the Reformation’s emphasis on individual faith. Rather than efforts at personal spiritual growth, the emphasis is often on social projects, with more of an external emphasis rather than an inner one.

Conclusion

The differences between Orthodox Christianity and Protestant Christianity are profound, shaping distinct religious identities and practices and often leading to a different path and responsibilities for the faithful to attain salvation. Orthodox Christianity emphasizes continuity with the apostolic tradition, a sacramental and mystical approach to the Christian life, and the personal transformative process of theosis. In contrast, Protestant Christianity emphasizes sola scriptura and sola fide, limiting spiritual practice to what has been recorded in the Bible. Because of vastly diverse interpretations, many denominations have resulted, each with its own practices and beliefs. In the Orthodox Church, it is the same no matter where you go in the world or who the priest is. It does not change.

This article aims to present some of the significant differences from an Orthodox perspective, highlighting the deep theological, spiritual, and practical distinctions between Orthodox and Protestant Christianity.